Stroll through the woodland area of this pleasant suburb in Hannover’s south, visit its atmospheric central square and explore its gentrified industrial district.
Doehren, or Döhren, has some iconic sights that are worth seeing if you have already visited the main attractions of Hannover.
Start your explorations at the Fiedelerplatz. This central town square with its tree-lined edges and surrounding shops has a lovely atmosphere. Its popular weekly market is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and taste the local bakery treats, cheeses and sausages.
Head south from the square to find the picturesque St. Petri Church. The church itself was destroyed during World War II, but has been carefully rebuilt in the exact same style. After admiring its half-rounded exterior and striking 15th-century tower, step inside the church and gaze up at the vast wooden roof and the large organ with its symmetrical display of organ pipes.
The southwest of Doehren once housed a massive wool factory that was surrounded by simple workers cottages. Visit the area that is now known as Döhrener Jammer to view these old cottages from the 19th century. Don’t miss the original clock tower and the gate house from the old factory. A statue of a ram has been erected to pay homage to the industry that shaped Doehren.
Explore the natural wonderland of the Ricklinger Kiesteich, a series of interconnected lakes and ponds. The Sieben-Meter-Teich, a 23-feet (7-meter) deep pond is a designated naturist swimming area. Perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable swimming at the popular Dreiecksteich, another pond with a large meadow that borders Doehren.
Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the Eilenriede, the natural woodlands surrounding the lakes and ponds. Follow the leafy laneways and walking paths that lead to the surrounding suburbs and aim for the ancient Döhrener Turm (Doehren Tower), occupying a traffic island beside the forest. The preserved watchtower was built in the 14th century and has thick stone walls and a pointy terra-cotta roof.
Doehren is home to some 14,000 people. It is part of the Döhren-Wülfel district in the south of Hannover. While not a touristy suburb as such, it is a pleasant area to explore if you have some spare time during your stay in Hannover.
